ATTENTION - 13 REASONS WHY

posted May 25, 2017, 9:18 AM by Leslie Koller

As you may be aware there is a new Netflix original series, titled 13 Reasons Why, that is very popular among teenagers and we have become aware that some of our middle school children have been viewing the series. The school administration and counselors are concerned about the content of the show and lack of constructive follow-up related to the content. In the miniseries, which is based on a young adult novel released a decade ago, high school student Hannah Baker leaves behind 13 tape recordings detailing why she took her own life. Her former classmates are left to piece together Hannah’s final weeks in a made-for-television mystery.

In watching the series, young people and teens could interpret the message that suicide is a viable and/or glamorized option. The show’s content is extremely graphic, with disturbing scenes in each episode, which may be difficult for impressionable minds to watch and process in a healthy way.

Please take a moment to find out if your child has read the book or viewed the series. If so, please use the show as an opportunity to talk about some of its complicated issues. Please know that the Mt. Ephraim District school counselors and Child Study Team members are also here to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have.

In the event that your child tells you that he/she is having suicidal thoughts, we urge you to get help immediately. Go to a hospital, call 911 or call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433).